It has now become the 30th state to adopt such a ban on gay marriage, with unofficial returns showing that the decision was passed with about 61 per cent of the vote to 39 per cent against.North Carolina already bans gay marriage, however the amendment voids any misinterpretation and outlines the state’s clear stance on the issue.It goes beyond state law by removing legal status from other types of domestic unions, something opponents have warned could potentially disrupt the rights of unmarried couples.

North Carolina residents case their votes at Belville Elementary School in Brunswick County (Picture: AP)

However, Tami Fitzgerald, who leads the pro-amendment group Vote FOR Marriage NC, claims that the vote has awoken a silent majority.’I think it sends a message to the rest of the country that marriage is between one man and one woman.

‘The whole point is simply that you don’t rewrite the nature of God’s design based on the demands of a group of adults,’ she said.

Sisters Annalise (left) and Embre Todd, wait with their mother Lisa during a Vote For Marriage event in Raleigh, NC (Picture: AP)

Six states in the north-east currently allow same-sex marriage, with North Carolina the latest presidential swing state to weigh in on the matter.

President Obama’s campaign has reportedly claimed that he was ‘disappointed’ with the state’s amendment, however while he has been vocal in support for gay rights he has frequently stopped short of backing gay marriage.